Under The Hammer

Nowadays we all try to capture our idols through our own photographic devices, but it is because of some of the greatest music photographers such as Terry O’Neill, Jim Marshall, Jill Furmanovsky, Neal Preston, Brian Duffy, David Bailey, Chalkie Davies, Mick Rock, Bob Gruen, Gered Mankowitz and others that we are surrounded by so many ‘iconic’ images of musicians.

These images are an important part of our cultural heritage. Not only do they immortalise those concerts, moments, and musicians gone by, but they are now a highly collectable form of art in their own right.

Here, our Head of Popular Culture Claire Tole-Moir handpicks some of her favourite Rock photography lots going under the hammer in the Pop x Culture sale on 11 November at New Bond Street and the Film, Rock and Pop sale on 17 November at Knightsbridge.

Lot 110

Alex Lake, Amy, 2007

Like with so many ‘iconic’ pictures, they only really become ‘iconic’ after the sitter sadly passes away. This striking image of Amy Winehouse was taken by Alex Lake at the Gladstone Arms pub in London.

Despite being a predominantly dark image, Amy’s instantly recognisable eyes, her stare, and her make-up draw the viewer in. This image was later chosen for the cover of the British documentary AMY in 2015, which provided us with an insight into Amy’s life and career. This shot is both playful and honest, with a hint of sadness – but powerful in so many ways. Produced specially for our Pop X Culture sale, this is the first time Alex has made this image available as a print - an opportunity not to be missed!

Lot 50

Jill Furmanovsky, Debbie Harry, Blondie, Glasgow Apollo, May 1977

According to Jill Furmanovsky 'More collectors buy pictures of Debbie Harry than of any other female musician. It is not only her beauty that attracts - the rock world is full of beautiful girls - it's that Debbie Harry also has 100% credibility as a great artist. This is a rare combination; this is what makes an icon.'

Taken in Glasgow in May 1977 on Blondie’s first UK tour, Jill’s image is a perfect example of how music photography can reflect the musician, their music style, their attitude, and their inner character. Even through this one image, it’s clear why Debbie has been shot by so many photographers over the years - she really is a sort of rock and roll Marilyn Monroe!

Lot 49

Chalkie Davies, Sid Vicious & Nancy Spurgen, 1978

This image screams punk; the leather jackets, the make-up, the hair, the expressions on Sid and Nancy’s faces, and the fact that it’s been taken in a bathroom (this being in photographer Chalkie Davies and Phil Lynott’s house).

As we all know, Sid and Nancy had a sort of Romeo and Juliet love story – incredibly young and fiercely in love, with a sad and dark ending. This image by renowned music photographer Chalkie Davies has stood the test of time and now defines an entire era and genre, leaving us with a visual memento of these two pivotal individuals for evermore.

Lot 237

Bob Gruen, Love Is Real , Photographs Of John Lennon And Yoko Ono.

Even by the 1970’s Bob Gruen was already regarded as one of the foremost photographers in music working with major artists such as  Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, and Kiss. However, it is his images of John Lennon and Yoko Ono that are maybe his best known work.

This particular image is one of those that will last forever. Taken on the streets of New York in 1972, the couple’s style and stance are in total harmony. What makes Bob Gruen such a great music photographer is that he has always been part of the rock and roll scene, and in this case was actually good friends with John and Yoko.

Through his relationship with them, Gruen was able to translate the love and friendship he was surrounded by and share that moment with us.  

Lot 280

Neal Preston, Jimmy Page, Indianapolis, 1975

Some of the best rock photographs are those that allow the viewer to see their idols ‘behind the scenes’ - somewhere that only those with 'privileged access' are allowed to be. In the 70’s this access was much easier for photographers to obtain than it is today, but here is an image that shows Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin moments before he is about to go on stage.

Through Neal Preston’s subtle and spontaneous photography, he has managed to capture an image that now represents 70’s rock and roll and all the excess that goes with it. The smoky background, the wild costumes and that insane moment of Page taking a quick swig of Jack Daniels whiskey – straight from the bottle!

Lot 375

Jill Furmanovsky, Oasis, Knebworth Park, 11th August 1996

In 1994 Jill Furmanovsky was hired on an unofficially official basis as Oasis’s photographer. As such, Furmanovsky captured the band from the very beginning of their formation, through their immense fame, right up until the very end. This image was taken when Oasis played at Knebworth Park in 1996 – an event that would go on to define a decade.

Through Jill’s unprecedented access to all areas, she was able to document this concert from all angles, providing us with a definitive viewpoint of just how magical and monumental this event was. Both the Gallagher brothers encompassed rock and roll and punk ethics. Their performances were made up of small on-stage movements but were cleverly calculated and full of arrogance: not always the easiest thing to capture on film, but successfully done thanks to Jill.

Noel Gallagher’s quote sums this image up perfectly, "To wear your woman's white cable knit sweater in front of a crowd of 125,000 takes some guts, but Liam wore it with a swagger and pulled it off. This was a tremendous show that I and everyone who was there will never forget."